Grounded in the legacy of Dr. Carolyn Ann Dorsey, the Dorsey Leadership Academy fosters leadership growth shaped by students’ educational journeys and lived experiences.
Dr. Carolyn Ann Dorsey
Dr. Carolyn Ann Dorsey was a trailblazing scholar, educator, and leader whose contributions significantly shaped higher education at the University of Missouri. As an Associate Professor of Higher Education, she was the first African American faculty member in the College of Education, marking a historic milestone for the institution.
Born on October 8, 1934, in Dayton, Ohio, Dr. Dorsey’s scholarship examined educational experiences and leadership in higher education. Her publications include “The African American Educational Experience” in The African American Experience: An Historiographical and Bibliographical Guide, Role Expectations for the Black Studies Program Director, and Black Culture Quiz, co-authored with Dr. Roscoe C. Brown.
In 1977, Dr. Dorsey became the first coordinator of the Black Studies Program at the University of Missouri and helped establish the Black Theater Workshop. Her legacy reflects a deep commitment to scholarship, leadership, and institutional transformation.
The Dorsey Leadership Academy
Rooted in Dr. Carolyn Ann Dorsey’s example as a scholar, educator, and leader, the Dorsey Leadership Academy is open to students in the College of Education and Human Development who are interested in leadership development, academic enrichment, and professional growth.
The Dorsey Leadership Academy supports students as they navigate their educational pathways and prepare to contribute meaningfully to the fields of education and human development. It may be especially meaningful for students who are among the first in their families to pursue a college degree and for those who bring a broad range of cultural, community, and lived experiences to their academic and professional development.
Participation is based on interest in leadership development and engagement with the program’s learning opportunities.
Program Highlights
Students in the Dorsey Leadership Academy have opportunities to:
- Build a supportive peer network across programs and academic levels
- Engage in mentorship with faculty and staff
- Collaborate with community partners
- Receive guidance navigating academic and professional experiences
- Participate in activities that support leadership and academic growth
“Joining the Dorsey community has given me so many friendships, professional connections, and supportive mentors. This program has helped me embrace my background while guiding me toward my future profession. I am beyond grateful for the foundation Dorsey has provided as I navigate college.”
Anyla Banks, Secondary Language Arts Education major